Balancing leisure with historical education
As families and some employees are taking their time out for summer vacation, it is apt to remind them of one essential consideration. Especially for our young people who seem to have lost track of their past and of the copious illustrious stories and achievements that the past has brought to this present generation.
The vacation break is regarded as a refresher from work for professionals or a lull from academic rigor for students. The most common places to go are resorts, theme parks, recreational places, among others. They all provide short-term satisfaction. And although they create wonderful memories but in terms of enduring impact to us, they do not provide profound realization of who we are as a people.
And May, being a National Heritage Month, is just fitting to give importance to what makes us whole in spirit. What the past has left that makes us unique and proud is worth looking back.
Places or structures that provide stories of heroism, love, and integrity, for sure, would leave lasting impact on the visitors. Historical ruins, take for instance, would provide great stories of struggles and inspiration. The Ruins in Bacolod is a reminder of great love of a haciendero to his wife. The story is likewise a reminder of what transpired during the time that our country was under three nations: Spain, America, and Japan.
Every time I visit places, I am always fascinated with old houses. Last year, when we shoot "PataynasiHesus" with lead star Jacklyn Jose, going to the southern part of Cebu provided relief seeing ancestral houses as if still captivating the attention of the visitors. Ancestral houses in Boljoon just along the highways are inviting visitors to unfold the mysteries as they hear the stories behind the construction of the houses and the occupants. One very important structure that still has a commanding presence is the EscuelaCatolica (Catholic School) in Boljoon, Cebu which was built in 1940. It is the living aide memoire of a past that made who we are today.
And who would dare miss the churches in Bohol? Starting from the very first town of Baclayon, we can already see a major indication of such a great influence of the past. And this scene holds true to every town that we can pass by until the very end of a coastal town of Anda. As a highly religious town, townsfolk would do their best to preserve what they consider as a living testimony of their religiously and resiliency. And so every time I visit Anda, Bohol, I can see the many transformations that their church has underwent, from a purely stone-made, which is basic in almost all Bohol churches, to some cement-mixed in some parts or if not in majority of the structures as it underwent several damages because of typhoons and earthquakes.
Landmarks that chronicle historical events are likewise worth-visiting. And for sure every place has its own historical milestone. The struggles of the people are well-established through markers. The Battle of Mactan in Cebu and the Blood Compact in Bohol are just two popular markers but there many others planted around the country.
Although technology has brought, and continues to bring great innovations to mankind, it cannot be denied that the past has left legacy that is difficult to obliterate. And so the challenge now it to make sure tangible heritage shall be preserved in the minds and hearts of our young as they continue the legacy to future generations.
These are the places that we, first and foremost, should take pride of before any foreigner can claim of such appreciation.They may be ruins or renovated, both provide legacy of pride and sense of nationhood.
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